Successful treatment of B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia with monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody

Ann Hematol. 2004 May;83(5):319-21. doi: 10.1007/s00277-003-0805-z. Epub 2003 Nov 27.

Abstract

We report a patient with B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) who was treated successfully with the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab). The patient had recurrent infections due to relative neutropenia, secondary to bone marrow infiltration. After treatment with monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab) 375 mg/m(2) weekly for 4 weeks, complete remission was obtained. It was documented by normalization of peripheral blood counts, disappearance of organomegaly, and by molecular cytogenetics-fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on bone marrow cells. She remains in complete remission 8 months following the discontinuation of treatment. This is the second reported case of successful treatment of B-cell PLL with rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD20 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / genetics
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic / genetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Antigens, CD20